**Coconut Calamari Salad: A Culinary Symphony of Tropical Flavors**
Dive into the vibrant world of flavors with our tantalizing Coconut Calamari Salad, a dish that harmoniously blends the delicate sweetness of coconut with the tender texture of calamari. This delectable salad is a symphony of tropical tastes, featuring a medley of crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing that awakens your palate.
From the refreshing crunch of cucumber and bell peppers to the vibrant burst of cherry tomatoes and the subtle tang of red onion, each ingredient in this salad plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors. The calamari, lightly cooked to retain its tender texture, adds a contrasting chewiness that elevates the overall experience.
Enhancing the salad's appeal is a trio of delectable dressings, each offering a unique flavor profile. The classic Coconut Dressing, with its creamy and subtly sweet notes, perfectly complements the calamari. For a tangy twist, the Spicy Coconut Dressing adds a fiery kick, while the refreshing Lime-Coconut Dressing provides a burst of citrusy brightness.
Whether you prefer the classic, spicy, or lime-infused dressing, this Coconut Calamari Salad promises an explosion of flavors in every bite. Its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and delectable tastes make it a perfect appetizer, light lunch, or side dish that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every forkful.
**Additional Recipe Variations:**
* **Grilled Calamari Salad:** For a smoky twist, grill the calamari until slightly charred before adding it to the salad. This imparts a delightful smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish.
* **Coconut-Crusted Calamari Salad:** Coat the calamari in a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated coconut, and spices before pan-frying until golden brown. The crispy coconut coating adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender calamari.
* **Coconut Calamari Salad with Tropical Fruits:** Enhance the tropical flavors by incorporating sweet and juicy tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, or papaya into the salad. The vibrant colors and flavors of these fruits create a visually appealing and taste-bud tantalizing dish.
CALAMARI SALAD
This is one of the seven fish dishes we serve at Christmas time. It is easy to make and quite delicious! I enjoy it served both warm and cold. Either way, it has become one of our traditional dishes each year. The recipe has been passed down to me through my grandparents, who were excellent cooks. -Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Chop calamari tentacles; cut body into 1/2-in. rings., In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add anchovies if desired; stir in parsley and garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add wine; stir in mushrooms, if desired, and seasonings. Add calamari; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until calamari is tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; cool slightly., In a serving bowl, toss celery, olives, lemon juice and calamari mixture. May be served warm, or refrigerated and served cold.
Nutrition Facts :
CALAMARI SALAD
Steps:
- To a large pot of boiling water, add lemon juice and salt. Add squid rings and cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Drain.
- Combine onion, celery, garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar and herbs with cooked squid and serve at room temperature or cool.
CALAMARI SALAD
Steps:
- Rinse squid under cold running water, then lightly pat dry between paper towels. Halve tentacles lengthwise and cut bodies (including flaps, if attached) crosswise into 1/3-inch-wide rings.
- Cook squid in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just opaque, 40 to 60 seconds. Drain in a colander and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. When squid is cool, drain and pat dry.
- Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then stir in onion and let stand 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine squid, olives, tomatoes, celery, and parsley in a large bowl. Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper. Let stand at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Tips:
- Use fresh calamari: Fresh calamari is more tender and flavorful than frozen calamari.
- Clean the calamari properly: Be sure to remove the ink sac, head, and beak from the calamari before cooking.
- Cook the calamari briefly: Calamari is a delicate seafood, so it is important to cook it briefly over high heat. Overcooking will make it tough and chewy.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe calls for bell peppers, carrots, and celery, but you can use any vegetables that you like. Some other good options include broccoli, snap peas, or corn.
- Use a light dressing: A light dressing will allow the flavors of the calamari and vegetables to shine through. A vinaigrette or a simple lemon-herb dressing are both good options.
- Serve the salad immediately: Calamari salad is best served immediately after it is made. The vegetables will start to wilt if they sit for too long.
Conclusion:
Coconut calamari salad is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for a summer meal. The calamari is tender and flavorful, and the vegetables are crisp and colorful. The coconut milk dressing adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the salad. This salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.
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